Territory



(No Model.)

- W. J. G ORBETT.

SWIMMING APPARATUS. No. 335,015. A Patented Jan. 26, 1886.

\ x M i WITNESSES ATTORNEYS.

XVILLIAM JAMES OORBETT, OF TUCSON, ARIZONA TERRITORY.

SWIMMING APPARATUS.

SPECIFICATIQN forming part of Letters Patent N0. 335,015, dated January 26, 1886.

Application filed November 14, 1885. Serial No. 182,873. (No model.)

To all whom, it may concern:

Be it known that 1, WILLIAM JAMES 00R- BETT, of Tucson, in the county of Pima, Arizona Territory, have invented a new and useful Improvement in Swimming Apparatus, of which the following is a description.

This invention is an improvement in swimming apparatus; and it consists in the novel construction, combination, and arrangement of parts, as will be hereinafter described.

In the drawings, Figure 1 is a perspective view of my invention as in use. Fig. 2 is a bottom plan view thereof. Fig. 3 is a side view of the apparatus, the blades being shown open in dotted and closed in full lines; and Fig. 4C is a detail view of the heel-extension.

The sole or main plate A is preferably conformed to the shape of the foot, and in practiceis held on the foot of a swimmer usually by straps, as shown, or by cords or similar expedients. To the under side of this sole, near its toe end, is pivoted the inner edge of a blade-frame, formed in the present instance of thin rods, B, of metal, having their ends formed with eyes b, looped on a staple, O,

secured to the sole back from its edge, so that when the blade is opened in operating position it will bear and brace against the sole-piece. The heel side of suchblade-frame may be covered by a sheet of parchment or similar material; or such blade-frame might be formed of thin wood, sheet metal, or like substance. This blade I call the toe-blade, and to it I attach the feathering-Web D. This web has its outer edge attached to the outer edge of the blade-frame, and its inner edge carried forward from such frame and secured to the sole at or near the toe end thereof. This web, when the blade is opened, folds down between it and the sole, and when the blade is closed it serves the double purpose of a stop to limit its closing motion and to feather the blade when the device is being drawn forward for a new stroke. Because of this last-described function I prefer to call such web the feathering-web. Side blades, E, are pivoted to the sole in from the side edges thereof, midway its ends, and when opened project laterally beyond the sole. Straps e connect these blades with the sole and serve as stops by which to limit their closing movements.

F and the blade G, supported thereby and opening and closing with the forward and back movement of the sole. This extension F-is preferably bent into staple shape, forming arms f, the extremities of which are inserted removably,if desired, in the rear edge of the sole. The blade G is pivoted at one edge to one of arms f, and has its other edge movable against the other arm.

By the use of my invention, it will be seen, I gain a broad surface for the stroke, and the surface is diminished on the return movement of the leg. Where desired, the sole or carrier plate may be used on the hands, in which case it may be varied in shape as desired.

The device is simple, can be cheaply made, and will be found of great assistance to swimmers, especially those not particularly expert in the art.

Having thus described my invention,what I claim as new is 1. The combination, in a swimming apparatus, of a support, a toe-blade pivoted at its inner edge to the support at a point back from the inner edge thereof, and a feathering-web having one edge secured to the outer edge of the toe-blade and its opposite edge secured to the toe end of the support, all arranged and operating substantially as and for the purposes specified.

2. In a swimming apparatus, the combina tion of the support provided with a staple, O, of the blade-frame consisting of rods B, en-

gaged at their inner ends with staple G, and

the web covering supported on said rods, substantially as set forth.

3. A swimming apparatus comprising a support, a double-armed frame projected rearwardly from said support, as described, and a blade pivoted to one of and adjustable to and from the other of such arms, substantially as set forth.

WILLIAM JAMES CORBETT.

\Vitnesses:

HENRY LEVIN, J. KNOX OORBETI. 

